Accounting software can be a great tool for your small business, allowing you to keep track of all your financial data, and easily produce reports for effective planning. But because you'll be using your accounting software frequently, it's important to ensure that you pick the accounting software that's right for your business and your needs.
Out-of-the-box accounting software is most suitable for small and medium-sized businesses that have standard accounting needs. If your business needs unique data reports, make sure the accounting software you choose offers customizable reports. If you run a service-related business, check to be sure the accounting software includes features such as a time and billing module.
Does the accounting software allow you to print or electronically send cheques, purchase orders, and invoices? Does it have 'Net connectivity so you can bank online? Is it integrated with other software that you often use, such as Microsoft Office? Is it able to convert data from other accounting programs or databases? In other words, will the accounting software be able to meet all of your needs, now and in the future?
All accounting software claims to be "user-friendly", but you'll still need to invest some time in learning how to use it. Take a close look at the accounting software before you buy it. Is the user interface intuitive and comfortable? Will you (and your employees) be able to sit down and learn it, or will you need a further investment in training?
In terms of the learning curve, online help makes the program. Does the accounting software have features such as screen tips, a searchable help index, demos, and example accounts to get you started? Are there print and online manuals available? And how accessible is the company's support? Talk to others who have used the accounting software if you can.
Is the accounting software networkable? How easy or expensive is it to move from one user to multi-users? With some accounting software, adding new users is just a matter of buying the appropriate number of user licenses; with others, you have to purchase multiple copies of the accounting software program, which is much more expensive.
Pay bills online, keep track of expenses and manage your accounts with our free online accounting service. Get it at recipts.
Out-of-the-box accounting software is most suitable for small and medium-sized businesses that have standard accounting needs. If your business needs unique data reports, make sure the accounting software you choose offers customizable reports. If you run a service-related business, check to be sure the accounting software includes features such as a time and billing module.
Does the accounting software allow you to print or electronically send cheques, purchase orders, and invoices? Does it have 'Net connectivity so you can bank online? Is it integrated with other software that you often use, such as Microsoft Office? Is it able to convert data from other accounting programs or databases? In other words, will the accounting software be able to meet all of your needs, now and in the future?
All accounting software claims to be "user-friendly", but you'll still need to invest some time in learning how to use it. Take a close look at the accounting software before you buy it. Is the user interface intuitive and comfortable? Will you (and your employees) be able to sit down and learn it, or will you need a further investment in training?
In terms of the learning curve, online help makes the program. Does the accounting software have features such as screen tips, a searchable help index, demos, and example accounts to get you started? Are there print and online manuals available? And how accessible is the company's support? Talk to others who have used the accounting software if you can.
Is the accounting software networkable? How easy or expensive is it to move from one user to multi-users? With some accounting software, adding new users is just a matter of buying the appropriate number of user licenses; with others, you have to purchase multiple copies of the accounting software program, which is much more expensive.
Pay bills online, keep track of expenses and manage your accounts with our free online accounting service. Get it at recipts.
About the Author:
Cathy Howard is a Manila-based freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics.
